ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Communications
India Wins GSMA Government Leadership Award 2023
Indian telecom sector has emerged as a sunrise sector and the whole world has taken note of this rise – Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership gets global recognition. GSM Association  has conferred Government Leadership Award 2023 to India for implementing best practices in telecom policy and regulation.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw announcing the winning of Award
Speaking on the occasion of India receiving the award, The Minister for Communications, Electronics & IT and Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said “GSMA Awards represent global recognition of the telecom reforms carried out by PM Shri Narendra Modi ji. We all have seen the effect of reforms. RoW permissions which used to take more than 230 days, now get approval within 8 days. More than 85% mobile tower clearances are now instantaneous. With nearly 1 Lakh sites in 387 districts, India’s 5G roll-out is one of the fastest in the world. Indian telecom sector has emerged as a sunrise sector and the whole world has taken note of this rise.”
GSMA, which represents more than 750 mobile operators and 400 companies in the telecom ecosystem, recognizes one country every year. India was declared winner in the ceremony held at Mobile World Congress Barcelona on 27 Feb, 2023.
Following the ‘Digital India’ vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi, Government brought in structural and procedural reform in September 2021. Thereafter, several initiatives were carried out such as licensing reforms, creation of PM Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal, streamlining Right of Way , spectrum reforms, satellite reforms etc.
Policy spotlight on India published by GSMA is enclosed herewith.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
APEDA has organised Virtual Buyer Seller Meets with potential importing Countries for product promotion of Indian agri products
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority  under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry facilitates export of its scheduled products through several export promotional activities, such as organizing International Buyer Seller Meets, participation of exporters in leading trade events in the potential importing countries, and product promotion programmes in specific markets. These initiatives have popularized the Indian agri products globally and facilitated exporters to reach the global market.
During the COVID 19 pandemic period, physical meetings and market promotion programmes were not possible. In its endeavour to promote export of Agri products, APEDA explored the virtual medium and continued its initiative of export market promotion by organizing several Virtual Buyer Seller Meets , in collaboration with the Indian Missions abroad.
During April to October 2020, APEDA organised Virtual Buyer Seller Meets  with potential importing Countries such as UAE, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Kuwait and Iran, for product promotion of all APEDA Products.
Besides, product specific Virtual Networking Meets were also organised with Countries such as Singapore, Russia, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden & Latvia for fresh fruits and vegetables, with Canada for organic products and with USA and UAE for GI products.
These Virtual Meetings provided a platform for interaction between the India exporters and importers on the strength of India in export of agri products such as Basmati and Non Basmati Rice, Grapes, Mangoes, Banana, Pomegranates, Fresh vegetables, Organic products etc.
These events are expected to further strengthen the confidence of the Importers in Indian agri products to facilitate exports.
Ministry of Railways
Ministry of Railways and IRCON sign an MoU for 2018-19
Ministry of Railways and), Indian Railway Construction Company, International Ltd  a CPSE under the administrative control of the Ministry of Railways, signed an MoU with Ministry of Railways. IRCON is implementing several Rail, Road & other construction sector projects in India as well as abroad.
The MoU was signed on May 22, 2018 by Railway Board Secretary, Shri Ranjanesh Sahai and IRCON, Chairman and Managing Director, Shri S.K. Chaudhary and laid down the targets for 18-19, both financial and physical, for various important Projects.
As per targets under MoU, IRCON has projected revenue from operations of Rs. 4200 cr. and other targets for important National projects like USBRL project, Jogbani – Biratnagar Rail Link, Jainagar – Bijalpura, Shivpuri Guna and Bikaner – Phalodi Highway Project etc.
Prime Minister's Office
PM bows to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on Guru Nanak Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has bowed to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on Guru Nanak Jayanti
"On Guru Nanak Jayanti we bow to the venerable Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and recall his noble thoughts", the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Defence
DRDO conducts two consecutive successful flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System missile off Odisha coast
Defence Research and Development Organisation  conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System  missile at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on March 14, 2023. The flight tests were carried out from a ground-based man portable launcher against high speed unmanned aerial targets, mimicking approaching and receding aircraft. The targets were successfully intercepted, meeting all mission objectives.
VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System  meant for neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short ranges. It has been designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners. The missile incorporates many novel technologies including Dual-band IIR Seeker, miniaturised Reaction Control System and integrated avionics. The propulsion is provided by a dual thrust solid motor.
Complimenting DRDO and industry partners, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said the missile equipped with novel technologies will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the consecutive successful flight tests.
ABB/Savvy
(Visitor Counter : 2470
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES 26TH CONVOCATION OF HIMACHAL PRADESH UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTIONS LIKE HIMACHAL PRADESH UNIVERSITY SHOULD CONTRIBUTE IN ECO-FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION: PRESIDENT MURMU
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 26th convocation of Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that since its inception in 1970, Himachal Pradesh University has played a very important role in the field of higher education. The alumni of this University have left their mark in various fields including arts, medical, judiciary, sports, social service, politics and administration.
The President said that the climate of Himachal Pradesh attracts people from across the world. This region of the Himalayas is rich in fauna and flora. But climate change is affecting the ecology of this region also. It is need of hour to move forward together towards the goal of sustainable development while conserving the rich natural heritage of the state. Therefore, it is the duty of institutions like Himachal Pradesh University to promote research and innovation keeping in mind the needs of the local community and the ecological challenges of the region and contribute in eco-friendly development.
The President said that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. She told the graduating students that while entering a new phase of life they should connect their individual goals with the national goals and contribute to the development of the country by marching forward in their chosen fields.
The President said that the youth of our country are making a mark across the world with their talent. Many of them have established start-ups and set great examples of success. Innovation is the main element of these start-ups. She was happy to note that Himachal Pradesh University has taken initiative to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among youth by setting up Incubation Centres.
Please click here to see the President's Speech -
Ministry of Defence
TACTICAL RESCUE OPERATION FROM SUDAN BY IAF C-17 NON-STOP OPERATION OF NEARLY 24 HOURS
In the midnight hours of 03 - 04 May 23, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft airborne from Hindan, flew through the night to land in the early morning hours at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft refuelled at Jeddah to undertake a nonstop flight from Jeddah, via war torn Sudan and back to India. The aircraft took excess fuel from Jeddah to avoid a situation of non-availability of fuel and refueling delays in Sudan. The mission was one of a kind, with the aircraft carrying 192 passengers, mostly ladies, children and elderly persons, who either were NRIs, foreign nationals or OCIs . These people could not be taken to Jeddah, and hence were required to be flown directly to India in a nonstop flight by the heavy jet.
At Sudan, the aircraft carried out an overhead steep tactical arrival followed by an assault approach to land the heavy jet. During the entire duration of the ground operations, the aircraft engines were kept running in readiness of a quick exit from the airfield, in case of such a need arising.
The crew encountered another unplanned emergency when one of the passengers became unconscious during the flight. This situation was immediately and proficiently handled by the crew who administered him 100% Oxygen to stabalise him.
The aircraft landed at Ahmedabad late in the evening on 04 May 23 late in the evening and then at the home base of Hindan late in the night on the same day. The crew thus flew through extended duty periods of nearly 24 hrs to get some of the last stranded countrymen back to India.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
More lockdown relaxations for Agriculture-Farming sector
Shops of Agricultural machinery, spare parts & repair, truck repair shops on highways exempted; relaxations for tea industry including plantations
Union Home Ministry issues 4th Addendum to lockdown over COVID-19 pandemic
Measures to help overcome difficulties to farmers and workers in farms and allied sectors
The Union Government has granted a slew of exemptions and relaxations for Agriculture and Allied sectors with respect to the 21-day lockdown over the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak so as to ensure that the farmers do not suffer from any adverse fall out. In this regard, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the 4th Addendum to its notification invoking the Disaster Management Act.
As per the Addendum, shops of Agricultural machinery, its spare parts  & repairs and shops for truck repairs on highways, preferably at fuel pumps, can remain open in order to facilitate transportation of farm produce. Besides, tea industry, including plantations can function with maximum of 50% workers.
The Home Ministry has underlined that the head of the organization/establishment will ensure the practice of social distancing norms and proper hygiene. The District authorities have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the orders.
PIB Headquarters
DOUBLING OF FARMERS' INCOME BY 2022 IN NE REGION ACHIEVABLE: VC, CAU
PIB AND ROB IMPHAL HOST WEBINAR ON IMPACT OF ATMANIRBHAR PACKAGE ON AGRICULTURE
Press Information Bureau and ROB Imphal today hosted a webinar on the impact of Government of India's Atmanirbhar Package on Agriculture.
Inaugurating the seminar, Shri S N Pradhan, ADG, PIB and ROB Imphal said that Atmanirbhar package has substantial financial allocation for agriculture sector and the number of policy initiatives taken have the potential to fully transform the lives of millions of farmers in the country. Shri Pradhan said that it is now essential to take all the information related to these reforms to the people through the media so that the farmers and the society can completely benefit from the initiatives.
Introducing Dr M Premjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, Central Agriculture University, Imphal, Shri Pradhan said that Dr Singh is a much respected authority in the field of agriculture research who was honoured with The Young Scientist award in 1992 by DST, New Delhi for his research project “Studies on bee pollination of oilseed crops”. Dr. Singh has undertaken six research projects funded by external agencies.
In his keynote address, Dr Premjit said that the vision of Prime Minister for doubling of farmers income by 2022 can be achieved in the North Eastern states by giving location centric scientific solutions to the farmers. Dr Premjit said that farmers of the region have to move towards double cropping of rice as good varieties have already been developed and demonstrated. He advocated using high technologies for multiplying incomes in horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries. He said that the return of migrant labourers to the region due to Covid pandemic can be used as a boon if we shift to new agriculture practices and involve people in agro processing.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. A. Sundari, Director, Green Biotech Eco-solutions said that private sector has a huge role to play in multiplying farmers' income and government's recent initiatives will go a long way in helping enterprenuers like her expand their business and thus help more and more farmers.
Abhishek Dayal, Director, PIB, Imphal summed up the discussion saying that the central government through Atmanirbhar Package has ensured huge capital infusion to ensure that agriculture does not suffer during the economically uncertain times. Major reforms have been announced in agriculture marketing to ensure that the sector benefits from market forces and farmers can realise best price for their labour. He said that it is time that media and agriculture entrepreneurs and professionals work together to educate the people about these measures. He thanked the participants for actively participating in the webinar.
The regional offices and bureaus of PIB and BOC in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, mediapersons and agri-preneurs attended the webinar.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Hanuman Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on Hanuman Jayanti.
“हनुमान जयंती की सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं," the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Suriname for cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Suriname on cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration including exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of organizational and technical development of electoral process; support in exchanging information, institutional strengthening and capacity building, training of personnel, holding regular consultations etc.
The MoU will promote bilateral cooperation, aimed at building technical assistance / capacity support for Suriname envisaging cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration.
AKT/VBA/SH
(Visitor Counter : 458
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Allocation of funds to MSMEs
The Government of India has taken various measures to strengthen the MSME sector under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan , which includes Rs.3 Lakh crore Collateral-Free Automatic Loans for businesses, Rs. 20,000 crore subordinate debt for stressed MSMEs, Rs. 50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Fund of Funds, no global tenders for procurement upto Rs. 200 crores along with revision of definition of MSME, etc.
Further, as on 02.07.2021, an amount of Rs. 2.73 lakh crore have been sanctioned under Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme  in the country, including Tamil Nadu, of which an amount of Rs. 2.14 lakh crore has been disbursed.
All proposals that are eligible under the relevant guidelines for a collateral free loan are generally accepted. However, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  sometimes receives complaint regarding denial of collateral free loan by the banks. As there is a prescribed procedure for obtaining a collateral free loan, such complaints received in the Ministry of MSME, are accordingly forwarded to concerned bank for consideration as per the rule/procedure.
This information was given by Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Narayan Rane in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses happiness after the success of Aspirational Districts program
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness after the success of Aspirational Districts program on parameters such as health, nutrition, education and exports.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“The success of Aspirational Districts on various parameters - be it health, nutrition, education or exports - is heartening. Glad to see the lives of lakhs get transformed due to Aspirational Districts program.”
Ministry of Defence
Second Edition of Indian Navy-Vietnam Peoples’ Navy Bilateral Exercise  Concludes
In the backdrop of the growing maritime engagement between India and Vietnam, the Indian Navy undertook the second edition of the bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Vietnam Peoples’ Navy at/ off Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam from 13 to 16 Apr 19. The maiden edition was conducted from 21 to 26 May 18 at Da Nang, Vietnam. The exercise was undertaken as a part of the ongoing Overseas Deployment of Eastern Fleet ships to South East Asian countries. IN Ships Kolkata under the command of Capt Aditya Hara and Shakti under the command of Capt Sriram Amur participated in the exercise, comprising a harbour and a sea phase.
The Indian Navy and the Vietnam Peoples’ Navy have traditionally shared good relations. Conduct of the bilateral exercise on an annual basis would give a further fillip to the existing strong bilateral relation between the two countries, which since Sep 16 have been elevated to the level of ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ after the visit of the Hon’ble PM to Vietnam. The Navy to Navy cooperation involves a Composite Training Programme in the fields of Submarine, Aviation and Dockyard training. The two countries have also signed an agreement to exchange White Shipping Information and have a running ‘Information Sharing’ programme.
The Indian Navy-Vietnam Peoples’ Navy Bilateral Exercise is a significant step in further strengthening mutual confidence and inter-operability as well as sharing best practices between the Indian and the Vietnam Peoples’ Navies.
Special Service and Features
Rozgar Mela: Union Minister Shri V Muraleedharan to be the Chief Guest
Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri. V Muraleedharan will be the Chief Guest in the Rozgar Mela function organised by Southern Railway in Thiruvananthapuram. The event will be held at 10 AM on 22nd October 2022 at Rail Kalyanamandapam, Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram. The minister will witness the live webcast of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launching Rozgar Mela, the recruitment drive for 10 lakh personnel.During the ceremony, appointment letters will be handed over to 75,000 newly inducted appointees.
This will be a significant step forward towards fulfilling the continuous commitment of the Prime Minister to providing job opportunities for the youth and ensuring welfare of citizens. The new recruits, selected from across the country, will join 38 Ministries/Departments of Government of India at various levels.
Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology & Skill Development Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar will attend the Rozgar Mela event at Kochi.
--NS--
(Visitor Counter : 51
Ministry of Defence
INS NIREEKSHAK AWARDED ON-THE-SPOT CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF UNIT CITATION FOR DEEP SEA DIVING & UNDERTAKING SALVAGE OPS UNDER THE MOST CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES
The Chief of the Naval Staff Adm R Harikumar visited INS Nireekshak at Kochi on 20 Feb 23. He interacted with the diving team of the ship involved in the salvage operations at a depth of 219 meters in the Arabian Sea and commended the ship on the safe and successful conduct of the operations under most challenging circumstances. This is the deepest salvage carried out in the country's waters. During his address to the ship's crew, the CNS complimented the dedicated effort of the ship in conducting the deep diving operations. He exhorted the undaunted spirit of the ‘Men Behind the Machine’.
The CNS awarded 'on the spot' Unit Citation to the ship, a first in Indian Navy. He also awarded commendations to the crew involved in the salvage ops.
Nireekshak had also recently completed a solemn dive off Gujarat coast to pay homage by laying wreath at 80 m depth, the resting site of erstwhile Khukri which sank during 1971 war.
INS Nireekshak is a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of Indian Navy. Built by Mazgaon Shipbuilders in 1985, the ship has been in service with the Navy since 1989 and was commissioned in the year 1995. INS Nireekshak has been part of various diving operations and holds the record for the deepest dive carried out in the country to a depth of 257 m.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
521.27 LMT rice estimated for procurement during the forthcoming KMS 2023-24 
Seven States leading in terms of estimated procurement of rice including Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Telangana
The Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution , Government of India, chaired a meeting of State Food Secretaries and Food Corporation of India  on 21.08.2023, to discuss the procurement arrangements for Kharif Crop ensuing Kharif Marketing Season  2023-24.
A quantity of 521.27 LMT rice has been estimated for procurement during the forthcoming KMS 2023-24  as against the previous year estimates of 518 LMT wherein 496 LMT was actually procured during last KMS 2022-23 . During KMS 2023-24 , the leading States in terms of estimated procurement of rice are Punjab , Chhattisgarh  and Telangana  followed by Odisha , Uttar Pradesh , Haryana , Madhya Pradesh , Bihar , ndhra Pradesh , West Bengal  and Tamil Nadu .
A quantity of 33.09 LMT of coarse grains /millets  has been estimated for procurement by the States during the KMS 2023-24 as against actual procurement of 7.37 LMT during KMS 2022-23 . 6 minor millets have also been introduced to be purchased by the States at MSP of Ragi starting this KMS 2023-24, upto three years. For increasing the procurement & Consumption of millets, Govt of India has revised the distribution period of millets, incorporated inter-state transportation of millets, added provision of advanced subsidy, administrative charges @2% and also revised guidelines for facilitating procurement of six minor millets. States/UTs were advised to focus on procurement of millets, not only on account of International Year of Millet-2023 but also for diversification of crops and enhanced nutrition in dietary patterns.
During the meeting, issues relating to gunny bags requirement, route optimization for transportation of foodgrains from designated depots to Fair Price Shops, improving infrastructure in procurement centres, monitoring of wheat stock limit portal etc. were also discussed.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary/Secretary  or Representatives of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. The meeting was also attended by Chairman & Managing Director, FCI & Other officers of FCI, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Indian Metrological Department and Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.